Russell Ro.

Russell was born and raised in Florida growing up around the music industry. At the age of two he received his first instrument (the piano). His mother described it as banging and clanging and was thankful that he did not have a drum set. Little did she know he was already moving towards becoming a drummer.

Russ’s dad was a trumpet player and Latin percussionist working for Disney and local gigs taking Russ with him. Upon having a fascination with the drums he began to build drum sets using furniture in the house to mimic what he was seeing and hearing through his dads gigs/rehearsals and the music that was played in the house (jazz, pop, and Latin music). These were his first experiences.

At the age of 10 he joined the school band signing up to play drums. Around this time he discovered MTV and a life changing music video "Motley Crue’s Wild Side”. Instantly his direction had changed as he began to seek out more rock bands and eventually metal. By the age of 15 he had his first band spending hours a day honing his craft, and quest to become a professional musician.

By the age of 18 he was performing with bands in the local area as well as teaching privately to other drummers from beginners to intermediate players. Not old enough to be in the clubs he would perform and then have to leave the club. Come into his early 20’s he was recording at Trans Con Records with Elisa Cariera (Solid Harmony). A track they did called “I am gonna like it here” ended up on the Mary-Kate and Ashley License to drive video game. Also around this time he was subbing for Wrong who was performing for WJRR radio events as well as Earthday Birthday led by host Larry the Cable Guy which drew in more than 10,000 people.

After doing multiple gigs in the area with numerous bands he landed a gig playing drums for Megan Mchauley (Wind Up Records). After working for the record he moved to Los Angeles to further his career as a musician and teacher.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles he networked through the area playing with bands Old Fashioned Beatdown, Maleva, Valor & Vengeance, All Hail the Yeti, Phantom Communique (American Voodoo Records, My Elysian, Katie Bergstrom, The Dog House, and TNBK (Century Media Records). Throughout this time he also focused on teaching students creating a fun, creative, and productive environment.

Currently Russ is teaching in the Los Angeles area, and is coming up on the completion of The VYCES record to be released in spring